Stakeholder perceptions of governance: Factors influencing presidential perceptions of board effectiveness

Abstract

This article examines the factors that infl uence presidents ' perceptions of board effectiveness in relation to their boards ' fundraising role. Data from a survey of small college presidents are used to see what factors infl uence each of four areas of satisfaction: deciding policy, making fi nancial contributions, referring donor prospects and soliciting donors. Presidents are more satisfi ed when the boards have received training, there is a fundraising committee, the president is skilled at fundraising, the board has more female members, the college has recently conducted a capital campaign and it is diffi cult to recruit good trustees. The fi ndings suggest that presidents and fundraisers should encourage boards to receive training in fundraising and should encourage boards to have a development committee. Other factors that infl uence satisfaction are amenable to presidential intervention, but not fundraiser intervention, such as presidential skill in fundraising and the gender composition of the board.

The recruitment and onboarding of the board of trustees: an action research study

“…Whether seeking gifts from corporate connections, grant funding foundations, or among their own personal network, one of the trustees' highest priorities is the financial sustainability of the college in the form of philanthropic and sponsorship revenue. Those who are most invested in the mission of the college and provide personal investment also tend to have some of the most meaningful experiences in their service on the Board (Proper et al, 2009). It is through their own personal and professional connections and relationships that the governing body of the college is able to positively impact the student education and experience.…”